Aston Martin has officially unveiled the production version of the Valhalla, a mid-engine hybrid supercar that combines a 4.0-liter V8 with two electric motors to give it a combined output of 950 hp.
The Valhalla is based on a brand new plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) with three engines. First of all, it’s a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The most advanced, responsive and high-performance V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin, it features a flat crankshaft for increased responsiveness. Developing 750 hp, it sends power exclusively to the rear axle.
Complementing this new V8 engine is a 150 kW/400 V hybrid battery system using a pair of electric motors – one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear axle. The electric powertrain provides an additional 204 hp for a total output of 950 hp.
When driving in EV mode, the battery pack powers the electric motor exclusively on the front axle. In other driving modes, power is shared between the front and rear axles, with the percentage transferred to each axle constantly changing depending on driving requirements. In certain situations, 100% of the battery charge can be sent to the rear axle, supplementing the full power of the V8 for maximum performance.
Aston Martin unveiled the 950-horsepower Valhalla hybrid hypercar © media.astonmartin.com
This power is transmitted through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission designed specifically for the Aston Martin. Like the McLaren Artura, the transmission has no rear gear, instead using an electric motor. The entire system includes a high-friction differential on the rear axle for improved handling.
Operating in electric-only mode, the Valhalla has a top speed of 130 km/h and a zero-emission range of 15 km. When all three motors are activated, the Valhalla’s top speed increases to 330 km/h, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is just 2.5 seconds. Thanks to these figures, the Aston Martin Valhalla intends to drive around the Nürburgring with a lap time of less than 6:30.
The Aston Martin Valhalla gets a carbon fiber body for optimal stiffness and weight, carbon ceramic brakes and adaptive suspension. The mass of the hybrid hypercar is less than 1550 kg. The car is also equipped with special aerodynamic dodgers, which provide 600 kg of downforce, enough for powerful cornering at high speed and unshakable stability.
In spite of the fact that Aston Martin has developed the interior in the style of Formula 1 race cars, it is characterized by higher comfort. An innovative new HMI system offers users a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the adjustable steering column means that even if the seat is in a fixed position, drivers of different heights can be accommodated. Although the cabin is driver-focused, the hypercar gets dual-zone climate control and advanced driver assistance systems (including automatic emergency braking, frontal collision warning, active cruise control, blind spot monitoring, etc.).